I never watch TV shows as they air (I prefer to wait for the seasons to finish and then watch them whenever I get the time... this has come back to bite me several times), but I plan to make an exception for SHIELD because Joss Whedon writes excellent episodic television. Unfortunately I missed the premiere because all my TV time is taken up by frantically trying to finish Breaking Bad before this Sunday.

Y'know, on a related subject: does anyone know if buying shows digitally, DVRing them or whatever else counts towards ratings? I'll admit I've never quite understood how those work. I feel bad for not watching Person of Interest (that's a show that I can see getting cancelled), but it's also a show I think I'd hate watching week-by-week.

I know a lot of ratings do something like "live plus 48 hours" to encapsulate the general "I want to watch this ASAP" audience. Overall DVRing and digital sales are tracked, I'm sure, but they're not yet given as much weight as traditional ratings.

I'll say this. If you don't like Whedon shows, this definitely isn't for you. But if you really really like Whedon shows, then this show is perfection at its best.

It was interesting watching the show and hitting those parts that were obvious Whedon dialogue. I think it's off to a good start...it had a LOT to establish, but the character of Skye is SUCH a Whedon character it's kinda distracting.

Also, I was confused about her being part of the Rising Tide to the point of being their voice but not knowing anything about them while they also are running gunmen in Paris. Either there are factions to the Rising Tide or there's not going on there than meets the eye (probably).

Y'know, on a related subject: does anyone know if buying shows digitally, DVRing them or whatever else counts towards ratings?

I'm pretty sure the traditional ratings you see are still based on who watches the show live at first airing. Sometimes seasonal ratings will also be based on who tuned in for repeat airings, particularly with cable and premium cable channels.